Types of Dog Leads & How to Choose the Best One
When you prepare for a new dog, a lead is one of the first things you should get. Dogs need leads to explore the world safely and to work on basic training. Yet, there are so many lead types available, including ones of different lengths and purposes. Choosing the right one(s) for your dog can make a huge difference.
What are Dog Leads?
A dog lead, also known as a dog leash, is a rope or other long material that attaches to your dog’s collar or harness. It allows you to have control over your dog as they walk, preventing them from running away or getting into trouble.
Why is Choosing the Right Dog Lead Important?
Choosing an ideal dog lead can make leash walking more comfortable for you and your dog. If the leash is too long, it could trip people or make it easier for your dog to misbehave. If it’s too short, it could choke your dog and give them less freedom. For dogs who like to pull on leashes, some leashes may encourage pulling as opposed to teaching your dog good leash manners.
So, don’t just buy the first dog leash you see. Consider all your options, and then buy some that will be beneficial for your furry friend.
What are the Different Types of Dog Leads?
To better choose the best leash type for you dog, you should consider all the different options. For some dogs, having more than one lead type for different occasions is beneficial.
1. Standard Leash
A standard leash is the most common lead type, so every dog parent should have one of these available. It’s simply a long fabric strip with a handle on one end and a clip on the other that attaches to a collar or harness. These leashes come in a variety of different styles, lengths, and materials, such as nylon, leather, or rope.
Standard leashes are great because they provide control over your dog. It’s easy to hold the leash in different spots to adjust the length. For added control, you can choose a leash with a second handle on the end near your dog.
2. Retractable Leash
A retractable leash has a bulky handle with a thin rope that extends as your dog pulls. You can lock the leash at a certain length to prevent your dog from walking too far. While this leash can be easy to use in rural areas where there aren’t many people around, it’s not ideal for most situations.
Many trainers, vets, and other pet professionals advise against retractable leashes because of the risks involved. They can snap, cause burns, trip people, and get tangled. Plus, they don’t provide control over your dog since there isn’t an easy way to reel your dog back in once they pull. So, if you’re looking for a leash to use in public settings, this lead type isn’t a good choice.
3. Martingale Leash
A martingale collar is a collar that tightens when your dog pulls, but only to a certain extent. Some leashes have a built-in martingale collar so the product is a leash and collar all in one. This feature can prevent dogs from escaping and help with training. Since it doesn’t tighten indefinitely, there’s no risk of your dog choking or severely hurting themselves.
4. Slip Lead
A slip lead is like a martingale leash, but it can tighten indefinitely. This can pose some risks if not used correctly. Yet, it can be a great tool for training because you can teach your dog that the leash tightening means they should check in with you. It’s also an easy leash to put on in emergencies. Just make sure you start by training your dog to use it in the comfort of your home before using a slip lead in public.
5. Head Collar
A head collar leash goes around your dog’s muzzle and head instead of attaching to a collar or harness. This type of leash is great for training because if your dog pulls, their head is pulled toward you. You can use this motion to teach your pup to check in with you during walks instead of pulling. Even though part of the head collar goes around your dog’s mouth, it still gives them enough motion to eat and drink if needed.
6. Harness
While this isn’t technically a leash, a harness is a great tool to pair with a leash. Attaching a standard leash to a collar isn’t ideal because it could hurt your dog’s neck if they pull. A harness is often better because it provides more control over your dog and reduces the risk of choking. Yet, even with a safe harness, you should still work on leash training with your dog to prevent pulling.
A great harness for training is a front clip harness, also called a no pull harness. This harness type includes a place to clip a leash to the front so if your dog pulls, their body will turn to face you. Like the head collar, it’s a great tool for teaching dogs to check in with you instead of pulling.
7. Hands-Free Leash
Some leashes wrap around your body so you can walk your dog without holding onto the leash. This is a great tool for people who love to run with their dogs. While these leashes can be great in areas that aren’t crowded, they don’t provide much control over your dog, so don’t use them when there are lots of people around.
How to Choose the Best Dog Lead for Your Dog
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a lead for your dog. In most cases, you’ll want more than one leash available, such as one standard leash and one for training. Consider the following aspects when deciding which ones to buy.
1. Consider Your Dog's Size and Strength
The length and thickness of the leash you choose may vary based on your dog’s size. If you have a large, strong dog, you’ll need a durable, thick lead that won’t easily snap. Since small dogs are lower to the ground, they’re better off with a long, thin leash so they won’t feel restricted while walking.
2. Think About Your Dog's Behavior and Training Needs
Most dogs need some basic training, so if you haven’t worked on training with your dog yet, it’s good to have a leash handy that can help with that. A martingale leash, slip lead, head collar, or front clip harness are all options to help with your dog’s training. Start by walking them in the comfort of your home so you can teach them to check in with you instead of pulling.
If you’re unsure how to properly teach your dog leash manners, work with a professional trainer.
3. Consider Your Own Comfort and Control
When picking any leash, you should make sure it’s comfortable for you to hold onto. Many leashes have soft, padded handles so they feel comfortable in your hands, even if you grip tightly. If you want better control over your dog, choose a leash that has a second handle close to the end of the leash.
4. Look for Quality and Durability
Leashes are products you’ll use for as long as possible, so you should try to find ones that can withstand frequent use. Look for durable materials with reinforced stitching to ensure that the fabric doesn’t easily rip or fray. When in doubt, look at reviews of a product to see what other dog parents thought about the durability.
If your dog likes to chew on the leash, that’s a habit you should teach them to stop. However, for the time being, you should choose a chew proof leash, such as ones made with metal cables.
5. Take Your Dog's Age and Health Into Account
Senior dogs or dogs with health concerns are more at risk when walking on a leash. These dogs are more sensitive, so feeling pressure from their collar or getting tangled on the leash are more likely to hurt them than other dogs.
It’s best to walk these dogs with a comfortable harness and a standard leash. If your dog is having trouble walking, you may want to consider using a dog stroller or wagon to help them explore without harming their joints.
6. Consider Your Lifestyle and Activities with Your Dog
Some leashes are best for certain scenarios. Of course, if you’re working on leash training, you’ll want a leash or harness that can help with that. If you like to run with your dog, a hands-free leash should do the trick. Make sure whatever leash you use makes sense for where you’re walking your dog and what activities you’ll be doing.
Dog leads are an essential supply to have as a new dog parent. So, consider all the leash types mentioned above and decide which ones are best for your canine. Even if you only plan to use standard leashes, it’s best to have more than one around in case something happens to one of them.